Verticordia jamiesonii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Verticordia jamiesonii |
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| Conservation status | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Verticordia
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| Species: |
jamiesonii
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Verticordia jamiesonii is a beautiful flowering plant that belongs to the myrtle family, called Myrtaceae. This plant is special because it is found only in the south-west part of Western Australia. It's a small bush with short leaves that grow close together on its young branches. In early spring, it produces lovely white to pale pink flowers that grow in small groups at the ends of its branches.
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What Does Verticordia jamiesonii Look Like?
Verticordia jamiesonii is an open bush that usually grows to be about 20 to 60 centimeters (8 to 24 inches) tall and 20 to 40 centimeters (8 to 16 inches) wide. Its leaves are packed closely on the newer side-branches. These leaves are shaped like oblongs, which means they are longer than they are wide, and they are somewhat rounded when you look at them from the side. They are about 1 to 3 millimeters (0.04 to 0.12 inches) long. The edges of the leaves are a bit see-through and have an uneven shape. The leaves closer to the flowers are a little bigger than those further down the stems.
The Flowers of Verticordia jamiesonii
The flowers have a light scent and grow in small, round groups at the tips of the branches. Each flower sits on a small stem that is about 2.5 to 6 millimeters (0.1 to 0.24 inches) long. The part of the flower that holds the petals and sepals, called the floral cup, is shaped like half a sphere. It's about 2.0 to 2.5 millimeters (0.08 to 0.1 inches) long, smooth, and has no hairs.
When they first appear, the sepals (which are like small leaves that protect the flower bud) are cream-colored. They are about 5 to 6 millimeters (0.2 to 0.24 inches) long and turn pink as they get older. They have 6 to 9 fuzzy parts. The petals are white and stand upright. They are about 3.5 to 4.5 millimeters (0.14 to 0.18 inches) long and are egg-shaped. They have a few hairs and their edges are rough and toothed. The style, which is part of the flower's reproductive system, is straight and about 2 millimeters (0.08 inches) long. It's thick and has hairs near its base. This plant blooms from September to October.
How Was Verticordia jamiesonii Named?
The plant Verticordia jamiesonii was first officially described in 1883 by a scientist named Ferdinand von Mueller. He studied samples of the plant that were collected in 1882 by John Forrest near the Gascoyne River. The description of the plant was then published in a science journal called "Southern Science Record."
Who is "Jamiesonii" Named After?
The second part of the plant's name, jamiesonii, was chosen to honor James Jamieson. He was a professor who taught about childbirth at the University of Melbourne from 1879 to 1908.
Later, in 1991, another expert named Alex George looked closely at all the plants in the Verticordia group. He decided that Verticordia jamiesonii was so unique that it should be the only species in its own special group, which he called section Jamiesoniana.
Where Does Verticordia jamiesonii Grow?
This verticordia plant likes to grow in sand or clay soils. You can often find it on low, rocky hills made of a type of rock called laterite, or in open areas with many shrubs. It grows in different scattered spots, mainly on pastoral leases (areas of land used for grazing animals) between the Gascoyne River and a town called Yalgoo. It also grows in the Gibson Desert. These areas are part of several biogeographic regions in Western Australia, including the Gascoyne, Gibson Desert, Great Victoria Desert, Murchison, and Yalgoo regions.
Is Verticordia jamiesonii Protected?
The Western Australian Government's Department of Parks and Wildlife keeps track of plants and animals. They have classified Verticordia jamiesonii as "Priority Three." This means that not a lot is known about this plant, and it's only found in a few places. However, it's not currently in immediate danger of disappearing.
How is Verticordia jamiesonii Used by People?
People who love gardening find this verticordia very appealing. Its tiny leaves, bright red new growth, and delicate, feathery flowers are considered very attractive. Gardeners have been growing this plant since 1991.
Growing Verticordia jamiesonii
Usually, new plants are grown from cuttings, which means taking a small piece of the plant and helping it grow roots. These plants grow well in sandy soil with gravel, especially in places that get full sun. They are quite tough and can handle dry weather and cold temperatures (frost). They are also good at resisting the fungal diseases that can affect some other plants.
